Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Elephant ear

Table of Contents

Definition

Elephant ear plants are indoor or outdoor plants with very large, arrow-shaped leaves. Poisoning may occur if you eat parts of this plant.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.


Poisonous Ingredient
  • Oxalic acid
  • Asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Note: Leaves and stems are the most dangerous when eaten in large amounts.


Where Found

Elephant ear grows naturally in tropical and subtropical areas, but is easily found in northern climates as well.



Review Date: 10/05/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)